Meet Jennifer Stoker: Aerospace engineer, professional baker, and a difference maker

When you meet Jennifer Stoker, it’s hard to believe one person could balance so many different worlds—but she does, with a passion that draws you in. As an aerospace engineer, Jennifer built her career on precision and problem-solving, leading projects that demand her best. Yet outside of work, she’s creating show-stopping bakes that even landed her a spot on a Netflix baking show. She’s also a dedicated mother. Whether it’s baking, Zumba, or judging high school speech competitions, Jennifer’s life is a series of passions, each adding a new layer to her story.

But her journey isn’t just about impressive achievements—it’s about the mindset connecting them. We sat down with her to dive into how she finds joy (and manages time) across her varied pursuits, the surprising ways engineering and baking intersect, and what it was like to compete in the high-stakes world of reality TV.

How did you begin your journey into aerospace engineering?

Jennifer Stoker:
I knew early on I wanted to be an engineer—I’ve always loved science, math, and problem-solving. I actually considered becoming a crime scene investigator, but soon realized aerospace was my path. My high school career advisor suggested it, and I was intrigued. It took me seven years to finish college, as I balanced school with life—getting married, buying a house, and learning how to manage it all. I started at North Hennepin Community College and then transferred to the University of Minnesota for my aerospace engineering degree.

My first job out of college was with ExB Solutions (proudly a Quest Defense company) and I’ve been with them ever since—eight years now.

Eight years is a long time with any company. What’s kept you motivated to stay for so long?

Jennifer Stoker:
It’s the people and the work. The CEO and CFO, have fostered an inclusive, growth-focused environment. I work with different engineers on new projects, so I’m constantly learning and evolving.

Can you tell us about your journey into baking and how it became such a big part of your life?

Jennifer Stoker:
It all started with my grandma. My brother and I spent our days at her house watching cooking shows, like Martha Stewart, and trying out recipes with her. By high school, I was working at Dairy Queen, decorating cakes and managing. Later, my mom and I took cake-decorating classes together, and eventually, I started sharing my baking on Instagram, which led to opportunities to compete and even caught the attention of a TV show.

Do you see any overlap between engineering and baking?

Jennifer Stoker:
It’s a bit like a Venn diagram—there’s structure and creativity in both, but they overlap in interesting ways. In engineering, there’s a lot of focus on precision and meeting standards, but baking allows more creativity. It’s a way for me to unwind after a day of methodical work. If I make a mistake, it’s not safety-critical—just a chance to learn and try again.

Interestingly, when I’m stuck on a work problem, taking a break to bake can clear my mind. I’ve had moments where I’m halfway through a recipe, and suddenly the solution to a work issue just clicks.

With so many interests, how do you find time for everything?

Jennifer Stoker:
I enjoy staying busy and being productive. Teaching Zumba or weightlifting, baking, and crafting are all things that keep me moving. For example, with Zumba, it’s a workout but also scheduled, so I don’t have to find extra time for exercise. I also love multi-tasking, like crocheting while spending time with my family. It’s about finding ways to fit creativity into daily life.

Competing on a baking show must have been intense! How was that experience, and did it teach you anything about yourself?

Jennifer Stoker:
It was an incredible experience, but definitely high-stakes! They told us, “You’re not bakers on TV; you’re actors who bake.” That changed my perspective! The competition itself was no joke—they don’t stop the clock. It taught me to stay calm and focused under pressure.

One of the biggest lessons was not to dwell on failures. In engineering, we’re bound to encounter challenges, but I try to see them as opportunities to improve. Just like in baking, where you can mess up and try again, in work, too, we learn from mistakes. It’s about doing the best you can, moving forward, and embracing both successes and setbacks.

Aerospace is known to be a demanding field. What advice do you have for others trying to balance a high-stakes job with personal interests?

Jennifer Stoker:
It’s important to find small ways to recharge throughout the day and set boundaries. I work from home, so it’s easy for work and personal life to blur. I make it a point to step away when my hours are done. Trying to push through when you’re exhausted doesn’t lead to good results, so having interests like baking or Zumba helps me recharge and stay balanced.